Absolute Wonder Woman #10 – Kelly Thompson, Writer; Hayden Sherman, Artist; Jordie Bellaire, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: After a first arc full of kaijus and dark fantasy, Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman have plunged us into one of the best set pieces in all of classic fiction – the minotaur. As Diana makes her way through the massive underground maze, she encounters new enemies – the mad queen Clea and her army of Fish-men who look straight out of the world of Lovecraft. But she also meets some unexpected new allies – the hulking but gentle minotaur Ferdinand, who has been trapped there for eons, and the seemingly mute young siren Petra. The issue opens with a dramatic fight scene, as Clea unleashes her army. As Ferdinand makes an unexpected sacrifice, Diana dedicates herself to protecting the young girl in her care – but then pulls a classic Diana move of her own, getting to the exit but turning back. No man left behind, even if they have a giant bull’s head.
One of my favorite parts about this book has been how well it sews together its present day plot-driven segments with the flashbacks to Diana’s youth. This issue finds Diana in her younger years, first beginning her training as a warrior with the secret guidance of the Gods. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone, and she sticks to this when a massive demonic cat-monster arrives in hell, refusing to take its bait – until it tries to harm an innocent creature under her protection, and it discovers just how far she’s willing to go. That drive is what brings her back to the labyrinth to rescue Ferdinand. As this issue comes to a close, though, Diana might need to be more concerned with her own safety – the Fish-Men have a unique hallucinogenic property that turns the maze into a kaleidoscope of surreal visuals that allow Hayden Sherman’s art to really lean into the brilliantly surreal. Another excellent issue of one of the best books on the stands.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
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